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I guess I'm just looking for some practical, applicable tools to deal with this and am wondering how others with mental health issues are dealing: For example I hear that some people go to a therapist, others have support groups, etc.

I have generalized anxiety disorder, clinical depression, and OCD.

I used to live in another city and recently moved back to Winnipeg, so I have to find a new therapist or other resources here in Winnipeg now.

I was wondering what methods work best with people here and/or if you have any resources/links/etc to suggest or point me to

If you're a university student, see if your student health plan will cover some therapy. Also look into counselling at your student support centre.

Anxiety is nothing to laugh at. I am an established and well-respected professional in the engineering field, and I still deal with crippling anxiety despite leading a practise with over 30 people reporting to me. You know that saying "it's lonely at the top"? It's true. I often feel very alone because I have 30 people depending on me for leadership, and not many peers I can talk to at work. What has helped me a lot is counselling (never tried CBT) and an anti-anxiety drug called sertraline. See what your doctor recommends.

Anxiety is a very tough thing to deal with, and I'm very thankful to have had great help from my doctor and my counsellor. I'm also very thankful to have a group of close friends at my church I can confide in and who do not judge me. Close friends are a life line. For a crisis, you may need professional help. To get through a rough day, you also need friends. Never underestimate the power of a pint of beer with good friends.

I don't think that I have a student health plan because I am a part time student - just finishing up my last year and tying up loose ends. I will check with my other insurance though.

I already take welburin and it helps, but I realized that I need more help from a professional also. It's so strange that mental health is still a taboo considering that every other person has an issue to deal with!

It sounds like you are very proactive about things though - good for you! :)

Depening on where you go to school, free counseling through school is an option. I know a few people that had no trouble getting help at UoM. I know of two that tried at UoW and had more trouble. PM if you want detailed UoM advice. It would be free even if you're part time.

It took me a few years of fighting with them before they finally hooked me up with a social worker/therapist, a psych eval by a proper psychologist, and referral to st b for cbt group. If you are just having mild issues it sounds like this is the recourse they take. After this step be prepared for rounds of medication. Its a long process sadly.

Edit: Just saw your redone post. Were those actual diagnosis or are you self diag?

Is there at gym at your school? I find it's best to make exercising convenient and routine. You'll feel better about yourself. Also there was just an article on reddit about how walking helps reduce anxiety so consider making a half hour walk a part of your daily routine. Just a couple thoughts.

You can start by buying some cognitive behavioural therapy books. CBT is a form of therapy that addresses thinking errors or toxic thoughts. There are workbooks available at chapters that have homework, as well as guides that essentially explain it. Though these books are meant more for counselling students, they will provide you with information about what it is, how it works, and the rest will be up to your ability to motivate yourself and work through the homework.

This will not be as effective as working with a therapist, but it is a cheap place to start.

If you are a student at the University of Manitoba or University of Winnipeg, there is free counselling services available to you. U of M you are more likely to get into a group therapy session, as individual tends to get pretty busy. U of W has a very long wait list, they unfortunately only have one counsellor on campus.

Might not be a bad idea. If they can't fit you in a one-on-one appointment, hopefully they have some group sessions running that you can join. Group sessions are actually quite helpful. It may seem awkward joining a therapy group with strangers, but working through problems collaboratively in a therapeutic setting is actually very cathartic.

For some basic information, the Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba has some free workshops at various venues around the city. They're mostly for promoting their CBT program but I found they had some useful information. Their website is full of resources, as well.

In addition to ADAM and Klinic, as well as the suggestions about CBT, consider your diet.

As you probably already know, caffeine, sugar, high starches are going to raise your anxiety level.

I would also suggest you lay off soy based products and try salmon. Yeah, salmon. Eat about a pound in a sitting once a week. Amazing shit. I stumbled on it a bit more than even years ago. Ate a shit-load of salmon one night, had wickedly vivid dreams and my catastrophic thinking disappeared almost overnight. I was able to focus and direct my thoughts a lot easier.

It's the Omega-whatevers in it. Works like a charm. I had the whole anxiety/OCD fuckary going on for decades. I swear that ever since I added a good salmon pig-out at least once a week; panic, catastrophic thinking, being depressed, all of it, the whole shittero - gone.

I now do public speaking and large group facilitation with ease. Not even any anticipatory anxiety. Germ and poison phobias - gone.

Just give it a shot.

Edit: Good luck and I wish you the best with all of it. I know it can be fucking hell.

I did CBT to help with my anxiety. Get "The Feeling Good Handbook" by Dr. David Burns. No new-age mumbo jumbo, but just real, practical mind exercises that can help you get back on track. That book saved my life.

All the suggestions here are great and I just wanted to add one more. My roommate is/was in a similar situation as you and she went to toastmasters. It was a speaking group where like-minded people worked together to improve their public speaking skills and interpersonal skills, while building confidence. She swore by it. Good luck!

thanks, that seems like a good idea. So I hope you're not offended by this, but frankly toastmasters sounds very boring - or is it? is it fun? Would something more fun like improv classes also do the trick?

lol, no offense taken. :) truly, though, it was my roommate; I've never been to one so I couldn't say how boring it is. I'll ask her about it next time I see her and drop you a line. I do know U of W has one and I'd imagine it would be at least a little bit interesting.

It is great that you are asking about things to do. One idea that is out of the box is Toastmasters. They help you develop skills in public speaking and beyond that you will meet some really great people. It is an incredible skill to have that can open many doors in life. It is free and you'll take the the things you learn with you forever. Working out was mentioned already but invaluable to ones well being. All the best.

They have different chapters throughout the city, some are themed. For instance I went to one called Toastmasters Headliners (not in wpg) aimed at marketers and business people, everyone is welcome though. It is hard at first, because it is public speaking in front of strangers but you will get to know them and everyone is in the same boat. I met my girlfriend there and other great people.